One booth I would love to hang out at this years NAHBS is that of Winter Bicycles. Eric Estlund is very much a traditionalist, and with a background in metal sculpture, an artist in the true sense of the word. He’s also comfortable with pushing boundaries and genres to achieve a perfect frame for his customers, as this interpretation of a 3Rensho track bike shows.
This particular order requested a modern, street-capable track frame, based on the legendary frames by 3Rensho’s master builder, Yoshi Miyakawa. Eric went to work, applying a modern and versatile influence upon what is quite a traditional frame layout. The chain stays can accommodate up to a 700x28c tire and brakes have been fitted. The build process, which Eric documented on his flicker stream, reveals each step of the fabrication process, and is also an insight into Eric’s fascination with the action of working with metal. The finished frame was sent to the legendary Keith Anderson for painting, who finishes most of Eric’s frames. The final result is, as can be expected, nothing short of spectacular. It’s a fitting homage to 3Rensho, primarily blue with yellow windows.
If you’re fortunate enough to be heading along to the 2012 North American Handmade Bicycle Show in Sacramento, make sure you stop by and say hello to Eric at the Winter Bicycles booth.
